NSW DEFENCE CREATING WAVES IN WESTERN SYDNEY

The NSW Government is supporting defence company Thales Australia in its bid to secure a slice of the Commonwealth’s $195 billion spend on Defence capabilities and support high-tech jobs in Western Sydney. Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres today toured Thales’ global centre of excellence for underwater systems at Rydalmere where it is anticipated more than 50 years of Defence work can be secured.

“I have written to the Prime Minister in support of Thales’ bid which could grow the defence company’s workforce here in Western Sydney and support other businesses in the supply chain,” Ms Berejiklian said. “Thales already employs more than 500 people in Rydalmere where it develops sonar systems for submarines and surface warships.

“We know the importance of the defence industry here in NSW and that is why we are strongly advocating Thales’ strengths to the Commonwealth, so it can play a role in the Navy’s future major projects.” Thales has provided solutions to our Navy for more than 30 years and is seeking to provide sonar for the Navy’s Future Submarines and Future Frigates. It is also in contention for other work on visual and communications systems, training and simulation, and radar and weapons systems.

“Western Sydney is home to the jobs of the future – a place that companies want to invest in and establish themselves and Thales is part of this success story.” Mr Ayres said. “We are just eight years away from a new Western Sydney Airport opening, have the biggest package of infrastructure delivery underway and will continue to support companies who are delivering a skills legacy for our young people into the future.” The Defence industry already employs 20,000 people in NSW and contributes $8 billion a year to the State’s economy – more than in anywhere else in the nation.

Thales is looking to maximise its involvement in the Commonwealth’s $195 billion investment in Defence capability over the next decade, particularly 12 Future Submarines and nine Future Frigates as part of the $89 billion investment in naval shipbuilding.